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Flag ship HMCS Algonquin, HMCS St-Johns and HMCS Protecteur is seen in this file photo. The HMCS Protecteur was returning from operational duties when the fire broke out in the engine room. (QMI Agency file photo)

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Twenty crew members who were on board a Canadian navy ship when a fire broke out in its engine room Friday night have been treated and have returned to regular duties.

In a statement issued Saturday evening, the Royal Canadian Navy also said relief supplies had reached HMCS Protecteur - which is 340 nautical miles from Hawaii - and that a helicopter transferred family members to a U.S. navy ship, "where they will sail safely to Pearl Harbour."

Protecteur will be towed by USS Chosin to Pearl Harbour and then be readied for her return to Esquimalt, B.C.

"The Royal Canadian Navy is very appreciative of the tremendous support that has been provided by the USN and United Stated Coast Guard throughout this very difficult situation," the statement said.

The RCN says there was significant fire and heat damage to the ship's engine room and considerable heat and smoke damage in surrounding compartments, and that an investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.